FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Injury / On and off the horse: mechanisms and patterns of injury in m...
Injury2014; 45(9); 1479-1483; doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2014.03.016

On and off the horse: mechanisms and patterns of injury in mounted and unmounted equestrians.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine whether discrepant patterns of horse-related trauma exist in mounted vs. unmounted equestrians from a single Level I trauma center to guide awareness of injury prevention. Methods: Retrospective data were collected from the University of Kentucky Trauma Registry for patients admitted with horse-related injuries between January 2003 and December 2007 (n=284). Injuries incurred while mounted were compared with those incurred while unmounted. Results: Of 284 patients, 145 (51%) subjects were male with an average age of 37.2 years (S.D. 17.2). Most injuries occurred due to falling off while riding (54%) or kick (22%), resulting in extremity fracture (33%) and head injury (27%). Mounted equestrians more commonly incurred injury to the chest and lower extremity while unmounted equestrians incurred injury to the face and abdomen. Head trauma frequency was equal between mounted and unmounted equestrians. There were 3 deaths, 2 of which were due to severe head injury from a kick. Helmet use was confirmed in only 12 cases (6%). Conclusions: This evaluation of trauma in mounted vs. unmounted equestrians indicates different patterns of injury, contributing to the growing body of literature in this field. We find interaction with horses to be dangerous to both mounted and unmounted equestrians. Intervention with increased safety equipment practice should include helmet usage while on and off the horse.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2014-04-01 PubMed ID: 24767580PubMed Central: PMC4125461DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2014.03.016Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • N.I.H.
  • Extramural

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study investigates injury patterns in people interacting with horses, comparing those riding (mounted) with those not riding (unmounted). The study found different patterns of injury depending on whether people were on the horse or not, with a considerable number of injuries occurring through falling or being kicked by the horse. The research recommends increased safety measures, including helmet usage, regardless of whether a person is riding or not.

Objective and Methodology

  • The study aimed to identify discrepancies in horse-related injuries between mounted and unmounted equestrians, using data from the University of Kentucky Trauma Registry. The goal was to enhance awareness about injury prevention in equestrian activities.
  • Researchers collected retrospective data over a five-year period (January 2003-December 2007). The study sample was composed of patients admitted with horse-related injuries during this period, amounting to 284 cases.
  • The study made a comparative analysis of injuries incurred while mounted and those incurred while unmounted.

Results and Findings

  • Out of the 284 patients studied, 51% were male with an average age of 37.2 years.
  • The majority of injuries were a result of falling off while riding (54%) or a horse kick (22%). The resultant injuries primarily included fractures (33%) and head injuries (27%).
  • There were evident distinctions in injury patterns for mounted and unmounted equestrians. Mounted equestrians suffered more injuries to the chest and lower extremity, while unmounted equestrians had more face and abdomen injuries.
  • The frequency of head trauma injuries was equal between the two groups.
  • Out of the 284 cases, there were three reported deaths, two of which were due to severe head injuries from a horse kick.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The authors conclude that interacting with horses, whether mounted or unmounted, can pose considerable risk of injury.
  • The observed variance in injury patterns amongst mounted and unmounted equestrians contributes to the expanding research in this area. This finding underscores the importance of tailored preventive measures based on the nature of interaction with horses.
  • Helmet use was confirmed in only 12 cases out of the total 284. Hence, the study recommends promoting the practice of increased safety equipment usage, specifically helmets, regardless of whether an individual is riding a horse or not. By promoting helmet usage, the study suggests we can reduce the incidence and severity of equestrian-related injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Carmichael SP, Davenport DL, Kearney PA, Bernard AC. (2014). On and off the horse: mechanisms and patterns of injury in mounted and unmounted equestrians. Injury, 45(9), 1479-1483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2014.03.016

Publication

Injury
ISSN: 1879-0267
NlmUniqueID: 0226040
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 45
Issue: 9
Pages: 1479-1483
PII: S0020-1383(14)00138-7

Researcher Affiliations

Carmichael, Samuel P
  • General Surgery Residency Program, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA. Electronic address: sam.carmichael@uky.edu.
Davenport, Daniel L
  • General Surgery Residency Program, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
Kearney, Paul A
  • Department of Surgery, Section of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
Bernard, Andrew C
  • Department of Surgery, Section of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Abdominal Injuries / epidemiology
  • Abdominal Injuries / prevention & control
  • Accident Prevention
  • Accidents
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
  • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / prevention & control
  • Facial Injuries / epidemiology
  • Facial Injuries / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
  • Fractures, Bone / prevention & control
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Trauma Centers / statistics & numerical data
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / epidemiology
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / prevention & control

Grant Funding

  • UL1 TR000117 / NCATS NIH HHS
  • UL1TR000117 / NCATS NIH HHS

References

This article includes 29 references
  1. Dwyer RM. Human Injuries Related to Horses Analyzed. 2009 18(3).
  2. Carrillo EH, Varnagy D, Bragg SM, Levy J, Riordan K. Traumatic injuries associated with horseback riding.. Scand J Surg 2007;96(1):79-82.
    pubmed: 17461318doi: 10.1177/145749690709600115google scholar: lookup
  3. . National Economic Impact of the U.S. Horse Industry. 2005.
  4. Craven JA. Paediatric and adolescent horse-related injuries: does the mechanism of injury justify a trauma response?. Emerg Med Australas 2008 Aug;20(4):357-62.
    pubmed: 18782209doi: 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2008.01107.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  5. Silver JR. Spinal injuries resulting from horse riding accidents.. Spinal Cord 2002 Jun;40(6):264-71.
    pubmed: 12037707doi: 10.1038/sj.sc.3101280google scholar: lookup
  6. . Current Trends Injuries Associated with Horseback Riding -- United States, 1987 and 1988. MMWR 1990.
  7. Mayberry JC, Pearson TE, Wiger KJ, Diggs BS, Mullins RJ. Equestrian injury prevention efforts need more attention to novice riders.. J Trauma 2007 Mar;62(3):735-9.
    pubmed: 17414356doi: 10.1097/ta.0b013e318031b5d4google scholar: lookup
  8. Lim J, Puttaswamy V, Gizzi M, Christie L, Croker W, Crowe P. Pattern of equestrian injuries presenting to a Sydney teaching hospital.. ANZ J Surg 2003 Aug;73(8):567-71.
    pubmed: 12887517doi: 10.1046/j.1445-2197.2003.02707.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  9. Cuenca AG, Wiggins A, Chen MK, Kays DW, Islam S, Beierle EA. Equestrian injuries in children.. J Pediatr Surg 2009 Jan;44(1):148-50.
    pubmed: 19159733doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.10.025google scholar: lookup
  10. Griffen M, Boulanger BR, Kearney PA, Tsuei B, Ochoa J. Injury during contact with horses: recent experience with 75 patients at a level I trauma center.. South Med J 2002 Apr;95(4):441-5.
    pubmed: 11958244
  11. Cowley S, Bowman B, Lawrance M. Injuries in the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry.. Br J Sports Med 2007 Oct;41(10):639-43; discussion 643.
    pmc: PMC2465182pubmed: 17502333doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.032888google scholar: lookup
  12. Kriss TC, Kriss VM. Equine-related neurosurgical trauma: a prospective series of 30 patients.. J Trauma 1997 Jul;43(1):97-9.
    pubmed: 9253915doi: 10.1097/00005373-199707000-00022google scholar: lookup
  13. Loder RT. The demographics of equestrian-related injuries in the United States: injury patterns, orthopedic specific injuries, and avenues for injury prevention.. J Trauma 2008 Aug;65(2):447-60.
    pubmed: 18695484doi: 10.1097/ta.0b013e31817dac43google scholar: lookup
  14. Moss PS, Wan A, Whitlock MR. A changing pattern of injuries to horse riders.. Emerg Med J 2002 Sep;19(5):412-4.
    pmc: PMC1725957pubmed: 12204987doi: 10.1136/emj.19.5.412google scholar: lookup
  15. Chitnavis JP, Gibbons CL, Hirigoyen M, Lloyd Parry J, Simpson AH. Accidents with horses: what has changed in 20 years?. Injury 1996 Mar;27(2):103-5.
    pubmed: 8730383doi: 10.1016/0020-1383(95)00176-xgoogle scholar: lookup
  16. Barber HM. Horse-play: survey of accidents with horses.. Br Med J 1973 Sep 8;3(5879):532-4.
    pmc: PMC1586939pubmed: 4795373doi: 10.1136/bmj.3.5879.532google scholar: lookup
  17. Lloyd RG. Riding and other equestrian injuries: considerable severity.. Br J Sports Med 1987 Mar;21(1):22-4.
    pmc: PMC1478604pubmed: 3580722doi: 10.1136/bjsm.21.1.22google scholar: lookup
  18. Bixby-Hammett D, Brooks WH. Common injuries in horseback riding. A review.. Sports Med 1990 Jan;9(1):36-47.
    pubmed: 2408117doi: 10.2165/00007256-199009010-00004google scholar: lookup
  19. Guyton K, Houchen-Wise E, Peck E, Mayberry J. Equestrian injury is costly, disabling, and frequently preventable: the imperative for improved safety awareness.. Am Surg 2013 Jan;79(1):76-83.
    pubmed: 23317616
  20. Ball CG, Ball JE, Kirkpatrick AW, Mulloy RH. Equestrian injuries: incidence, injury patterns, and risk factors for 10 years of major traumatic injuries.. Am J Surg 2007 May;193(5):636-40.
    pubmed: 17434372doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.01.016google scholar: lookup
  21. Balendra G, Turner M, McCrory P. Career-ending injuries to professional jockeys in British horse racing (1991-2005).. Br J Sports Med 2008 Jan;42(1):22-4.
    pubmed: 17510227doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2007.038950google scholar: lookup
  22. Iba K, Wada T, Kawaguchi S, Fujisaki T, Yamashita T, Ishii S. Horse-related injuries in a thoroughbred stabling area in Japan.. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2001 Oct;121(9):501-4.
    pubmed: 11599750doi: 10.1007/s004020100278google scholar: lookup
  23. Meredith L, Antoun JS. Horse-related facial injuries: the perceptions and experiences of riding schools.. Inj Prev 2011 Feb;17(1):55-7.
    pubmed: 20805615doi: 10.1136/ip.2010.027177google scholar: lookup
  24. . Saddle up Safely. 2013.
  25. Hessler C, Eckert V, Vettorazzi E, Meenen N, Jürgens C, Schult M, Flamme C, Herberhold HJ, Madert J, Ekkernkamp A, Lockemann U, Püschel K, Pohlenz P. Effectiveness of safety vests in pediatric horseback riding.. Klin Padiatr 2012 Nov;224(7):443-7.
    pubmed: 23070863doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1327621google scholar: lookup
  26. . Point Two Air Jackets. 2013.
  27. Clarke CN, Tsuei BJ, Butler KL. Equine-related injury: a retrospective analysis of outcomes over a 10-year period.. Am J Surg 2008 May;195(5):702-4.
    pubmed: 18424291doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.11.007google scholar: lookup
  28. Ghosh A, Di Scala C, Drew C, Lessin M, Feins N. Horse-related injuries in pediatric patients.. J Pediatr Surg 2000 Dec;35(12):1766-70.
    pubmed: 11101733doi: 10.1053/jpsu.2000.19247google scholar: lookup
  29. . Alcohol use and horseback-riding-associated fatalities--North Carolina, 1979-1989.. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1992 May 15;41(19):335, 341-2.
    pubmed: 1579127

Citations

This article has been cited 26 times.
  1. Riley CB, Padalino B, Rogers CW, Thompson KR. Human Injuries Associated with the Transport of Horses by Road. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 10;13(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13101594pubmed: 37238024google scholar: lookup
  2. Condon V, Wilson B, Fleming PJS, Kennedy BPA, Keeley T, Barwick J, McGreevy P. Investigating the Market Value of Brumbies (Equus caballus) in the Australian Riding Horse Market. Animals (Basel) 2023 Apr 27;13(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13091481pubmed: 37174518google scholar: lookup
  3. Carroll SL, Sykes BW, Mills PC. Moving toward Fear-Free Husbandry and Veterinary Care for Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Oct 24;12(21).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12212907pubmed: 36359031google scholar: lookup
  4. Mutore K, Lim J, Fofana D, Torres-Reveron A, Skubic JJ. Hearing hoofbeats? Think head and neck trauma: a 10-year NTDB analysis of equestrian-related trauma in the USA. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2021;6(1):e000728.
    doi: 10.1136/tsaco-2021-000728pubmed: 34595353google scholar: lookup
  5. Romness N, Fenner K, McKenzie J, Anzulewicz A, Burattini B, Wilson B, McGreevy P. Associations between Owners' Reports of Unwanted Ridden Behaviour and In-Hand Behaviour in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020 Dec 18;10(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10122431pubmed: 33353091google scholar: lookup
  6. Stier R, Tavassol F, Dupke C, Rüter M, Jehn P, Gellrich NC, Spalthoff S. Retrospective analysis of 15 years of horse-related maxillofacial fracture data at a major German trauma center. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2022 Aug;48(4):2539-2546.
    doi: 10.1007/s00068-020-01450-wpubmed: 32699917google scholar: lookup
  7. Ahmed M, Saeed R, Abdulsalam M, Johna S, Elias D. Horse Kick to the Abdomen Causing a Triad of Injury: A Case Report. Cureus 2019 Oct 1;11(10):e5821.
    doi: 10.7759/cureus.5821pubmed: 31754556google scholar: lookup
  8. Adler CR, Hopp A, Hrelic D, Patrie JT, Fox MG. Retrospective analysis of equestrian-related injuries presenting to a level 1 trauma center. Emerg Radiol 2019 Dec;26(6):639-645.
    doi: 10.1007/s10140-019-01718-8pubmed: 31435897google scholar: lookup
  9. Krüger L, Hohberg M, Lehmann W, Dresing K. Assessing the risk for major injuries in equestrian sports. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2018;4(1):e000408.
    doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000408pubmed: 30364519google scholar: lookup
  10. Meredith L, Ekman R, Thomson R. Horse-related incidents and factors for predicting injuries to the head. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2018;4(1):e000398.
    doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000398pubmed: 30167320google scholar: lookup
  11. Oshima K, Murata M, Aoki M, Nakajima J, Sawada Y, Isshiki Y, Ichikawa Y, Hagiwara S. Report of Four Cases with Equestrian Injury: Therapeutic Approach and Outcome. Case Rep Emerg Med 2018;2018:8283179.
    doi: 10.1155/2018/8283179pubmed: 30050701google scholar: lookup
  12. Oode Y, Maruyama T, Kimura M, Fukunaga T, Omori K, Yanagawa Y. Horse kick injury mimicking a handle bar injury or a hidden speared injury. Acute Med Surg 2016 Jan;3(1):3-9.
    doi: 10.1002/ams2.118pubmed: 29123740google scholar: lookup
  13. Weber CD, Nguyen AR, Lefering R, Hofman M, Hildebrand F, Pape HC. Blunt injuries related to equestrian sports: results from an international prospective trauma database analysis. Int Orthop 2017 Oct;41(10):2105-2112.
    doi: 10.1007/s00264-017-3592-1pubmed: 28801837google scholar: lookup
  14. Majeedkutty NA, Khairulanuar NA. Prevalence, patterns, and correlates of equestrian injuries in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study. J Family Community Med 2017 Jan-Apr;24(1):18-22.
    doi: 10.4103/2230-8229.197177pubmed: 28163571google scholar: lookup
  15. Chapman M, Thompson K. Preventing and Investigating Horse-Related Human Injury and Fatality in Work and Non-Work Equestrian Environments: A Consideration of the Workplace Health and Safety Framework. Animals (Basel) 2016 May 6;6(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani6050033pubmed: 27164148google scholar: lookup
  16. Young JD, Gelbs JC, Zhu DS, Gallacher SE, Sutton KM, Blaine TA. Orthopaedic Injuries in Equestrian Sports: A Current Concepts Review. Orthop J Sports Med 2015 Sep;3(9):2325967115603924.
    doi: 10.1177/2325967115603924pubmed: 26535400google scholar: lookup
  17. Haigh L, Thompson K. Helmet Use Amongst Equestrians: Harnessing Social and Attitudinal Factors Revealed in Online Forums. Animals (Basel) 2015 Jul 17;5(3):576-91.
    doi: 10.3390/ani5030373pubmed: 26479375google scholar: lookup
  18. Thompson K, McGreevy P, McManus P. A Critical Review of Horse-Related Risk: A Research Agenda for Safer Mounts, Riders and Equestrian Cultures. Animals (Basel) 2015 Jul 17;5(3):561-75.
    doi: 10.3390/ani5030372pubmed: 26479374google scholar: lookup
  19. Swanberg JE, Clouser JM, Bush A, Westneat S. From the Horse Worker's Mouth: A Detailed Account of Injuries Experienced by Latino Horse Workers. J Immigr Minor Health 2016 Jun;18(3):513-521.
    doi: 10.1007/s10903-015-0302-1pubmed: 26458955google scholar: lookup
  20. Eriksson HK, Wullimann-Ohlsson H, Wolf O, Brüggemann A. Horseback riding injuries in Sweden: a nationwide register-based study of fracture incidence. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2025 Dec 10;36(1):45.
    doi: 10.1007/s00590-025-04596-8pubmed: 41369799google scholar: lookup
  21. Havertz A, Uebis D, Schifflers R, Hildebrand F, Weber CD. Sports injury risk assessment based on a training and functional movement analysis of young elite equestrian athletes- an exploratory cross-sectional study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2025 Apr 14;17(1):83.
    doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01138-xpubmed: 40229886google scholar: lookup
  22. Asai Y, Tsunetoshi Y, Susa Y, Matsuzawa A, Miyazaki S, Itagaki Y, Yamamoto H, Kimura K, Kushiya H, Sato S, Okada N, Yamabuki T, Kato K, Kinoshita Y, Takada M, Ambo Y, Nakamura F. Successful Surgical Repair of Complete Duodenal Transection Caused by Horse Kick: A Case Report. Surg Case Rep 2025;11(1).
    doi: 10.70352/scrj.cr.24-0059pubmed: 40115220google scholar: lookup
  23. Chapman M, Fenner K, Thomas MJW. Lessons learnt from horse-related human fatalities: Accident analysis using HFACS-Equestrianism. Heliyon 2025 Feb 15;11(3):e42276.
    doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42276pubmed: 39991252google scholar: lookup
  24. Meyer C, Gabriel F, Schrum K, Hollis M, Short M, Gould S. Airbag Vests in Equestrian Sports: Is Use Associated with Harm?. Ann Biomed Eng 2024 Nov;52(11):2916-2922.
    doi: 10.1007/s10439-024-03507-ypubmed: 38955889google scholar: lookup
  25. Seery R, Wells D. An Exploratory Study into the Backgrounds and Perspectives of Equine-Assisted Service Practitioners. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jan 22;14(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14020347pubmed: 38275806google scholar: lookup
  26. Best R, Williams JM, Pearce J. The Physiological Requirements of and Nutritional Recommendations for Equestrian Riders. Nutrients 2023 Nov 30;15(23).
    doi: 10.3390/nu15234977pubmed: 38068833google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.